Old Point Loma Lighthouse Primary Bedroom

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse was not just the housing for a light; it was the home.

NPS / Amanda Gossard

The other bedroom on the second floor of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is the primary bedroom. It has another cozy wood burning fireplace, a larger bed, a dresser, and a potty chair with chamber pot. There was no plumbing or running water in the lighthouse when the Israel family lived here. Chamber pots were used during the night when it was too dark to find their way to the outhouse. Though the bed is larger and could easily accommodate two people, Mrs. Israel would spend most nights sleeping alone while her husband tended to the light. Come morning, Captain Israel would transfer the duties to the assistant keeper, who for this family, was Mrs. Israel, and the captain would retire to bed for some well-earned rest.